Bert Vermandel

Our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, & Brother left our world to be in the arms of his loving father on Tuesday, February 15th, 2011 at the age of 56. Bert rode away far too soon, but we know that his spirit has been set free.

Hardy Albert Vermandel (Bert) was born on Sep. 9th, 1954 in Billings, MT to Albert & Inez Vermandel. He was raised on the family ranch, 10 Mile Land & Cattle Co., and attended schools in the area. He attended High School and graduated from Senior High in Billings. It was here that he met the love of his life, Billee Jean. They married in Sep. of 1978. The two of them spent the last 32 years growing together and raising a family they were very proud of. Bert & Billee stood by one another, through many highs and lows.

Bert loved BIG, but had a hard time expressing it. His children meant the world to him and he was proud of them both. He loved spending time with them, whether it be on the rodeo trail, at a branding, or just a ride in the hills. He took pride in teaching them the 'cowboy way.' Bert was especially proud the day he became 'Grandpa Bert' to his first and only granddaughter, Havyn Jean. The two of them developed a very special bond in the two short years they knew one another.

Bert was known by all for his fun-loving, boisterous personality. He never ceased to amaze with the things he could persuade people into. He had an intense love for his animals. He always rode a good horse and never struggled to sell a horse he had ridden. He had a knack with cattle & always knew his herd. Bert was happiest atop a good horse in the solitude of the open range. He had a strong relationship with The Lord and always turned to him when struggling.

Bert is survived by his wife, Billee Jean; Son, Treston (Callie); Daughter, Brettney (Johnny) Cullinan; and granddaughter, Havyn Jean Vermandel, all of Billings. In addition, Bert has left behind several siblings, of whom he had a great love for and who loved him unconditionally; Maureen (Tom) O'Reilly, Nancy Vermandel, Robert Vermandel, Ernie (Delores) Vermandel, Glendoris Caudill, Gary (Ann) French, Billie (Brent) Nelson, & Gayle (Gordon) Wash. His parents, Albert & Inez Vermandel, preceded him in death.

We love you & miss you. We'll meet you again someday, sitting on your horse under that big cottonwood tree.

Visitation will be 5-7 Monday Feb. 21, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Services will be held Tues. Feb 22nd at 11:00 AM Harvest Church-Lockwood campus, with a luncheon to follow.

Remembrances

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Billee, Treston & Brettney,
We were sorry to learn of your loss.
Please accept our condolences.

Bob & Pris Hector

Sad day for the family – especially Billie Jean and sons and granddaughter. The “cowboy way” that the article mentioned is the best way. Very saddened that the children and especially the little granddaughter will not have him to teach that anymore. God Bless you all – Many a good cowboy now resides in Heaven !! Sincerely Frances Brumfield Heiser

Last spring I was lucky enough to spend time with Bert as he taught me to get along with Gus, the little red horse I bought from him. Gus has become the horse of my dreams. Despite his sadness over the recent death of his dog and selling Gus, a horse he probably intended to keep with him all of his days, Bert was generous with his knowledge of the "cowboy way." I doubt Bert understood how green I was (and still am) despite my explaining that I should have joined a 4H club for old ladies. Bert was patient and kind and at the same time, impatient and ornery, traits I think his family will recognize they loved him for and in spite of. I hope Bert and Billee Jean enjoyed a lot of laughter over my ineptness. Really - they deserved some kind of payoff for the time he spent with me.

In addition to Bert always thanking the Lord of another beaurtiful day, our rides were seasoned with Bert's stories of his family. He spoke of Billee's devotion to her family, her prowess with horses, saddles won and barrels raced. But what stuck with me most was how blessed Bert felt by having Billee Jean as his wife. He told me, "Billee is the most beautiful, loving, supportive wife I could ever have. She stuck with me through the hardest of times and I don't know what I ever did to deserve her....I'm so lucky to be loved by her."

Bert spoke of glorious times spent chasing cows with Treston, of Treston's cowboying skills and how they exceeded his own, of how much he was learning from Treston about shoeing horses, and what a great dad Treston was. He told me of Callie's sweetness of spirit and what a wonderful marriage she was making with Treston. During a quick break for drink of water he showed me the pictures on his 'frig of the remarkable Havyn and the pony that he felt his granddaughter had to have. Clearly, he was a man in love with his grandchild.

He shared his pride in Brettney's intelligence, hastening to add that she got that from her mother. He told me of her beauty, both inside and out, and of his enthusiasm for her impending marriage. He was excited that Johnny would be joining the family and how he was the exact right partner for Brettney. He pointed out their picture and said, "Isn't she the pretiest little thing and aren't they a great couple?" He had a big grin on his face and his eyes glowed.

He loved his family, he was proud of his family, he was humble about deserving his family's love and his place amongst them. He loved them the best he could.

Of the many things I learned from Bert - when I take Gus's saddle off I will forever hear his voice instructing me, "Always, always, always undo the back cinch first or you are going to end up in a train wreck someday, even with Gus here. " I hope everyone reading this can hold a spot in their heart for the good things Bert brought to them - I know I will.

Mary Streets

Billee, Treston & Brettney we are so sorry for you loss. Bert was such a good man and easily became a good friend. I will miss him.

David and Carolyn Lopez

Billee and family,
I was so sad to see that Bert had passed away. Even though I hadn’t seen Bert in quite a few years I can still remember what a wonderful strong and caring man he had been. He use to come out to the ranch with Guy and help us gather the cattle in the fall years ago. Dad could be pretty hard headed at times and he could make us all pretty mad and him and Bert could go at it pretty good but they still had such respect for each other.

A bunch of us were at a roping in Columbus when we got the call that my father had passed away and Bert was so sweet and comforting in his words as he was the only one there that knew my father.

Bert was such a great man and his devotion to the lord was above all else.
Mary Gearhart Hurr

Vermandel family, we are sorry for your loss. Suzi & Corey Emter

Dear Billie Jean, Treston, Brettney & Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm out in Az so won't make the service
but will call on you when I get home. Charlene

Billie, Treston, & Brettney~
I just wanted to send you a note to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Bert was always there to give me a pat on the back and if there is one thing I can remember vividly it is how proud he was of all of you. I do have some really great memories of going to rodeos when we were younger and getting to spend some great times with you all. Sending our love and hugs.
Tracey & Andy Bolich